Screening inequalities and what we’re doing about them

The evidence on screening clearly shows it does prevent disease and save lives.

In England we offer screening for more than 30 conditions through 11 screening programmes. Pregnant women, their newborn babies, adults with diabetes and those at risk of cancer or aneurysms are all offered screening.

We know some people would prefer not to have these tests or treatments.

That’s why we make sure everyone gets the right information so they can decide whether it’s the right thing for them – depending on their circumstances – and take up the offer.

Looking at the figures, we can see that people who don’t access screening come from particular groups. They tend to be:

people living in poorer areas

people with a learning or physical disability

black, Asian or people from other ethnic minority groups

lesbian and bisexual women

men – who are less likely to be screened than women

Regional inequalities

One area that we see real variations in screening coverage is regionally.

For example, women from the ages of 25 to 64 are eligible for cervical screening. At a regional level coverage for this age group ranged from 66.7% in London to 75.9% in the East Midlands. There are a number of factors as to why these variations occur and we realise that more work needs to be done to ensure that those who want to be screened, can be.

Partnership working

That’s why we’re working alongside key partners, one of them being the charity, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust. We supported them earlier this year as they launched a number of Be Cervix Savvy Roadshows, visiting 16 cities where cervical screening attendance is particularly low.

During these events, trained volunteers spoke to thousands of women about the role of cervical screening in preventing cervical cancer, tackling barriers including fear, anxiety and lack of understanding.

Using data to take action against inequalities

Developing and sharing data is important when dealing with inequalities. Our recent cervical screening data and existing data suite can help us explore inequalities in screening. Working with partners, such as Cancer Research UK, NHS England, the Department of Public Health and Jo’s Trust, we will soon add breast and bowel screening data to this suite.

Networks and professional support

We have developed a network of individuals to develop and share learning about inequalities in screening.

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3 comments

Comment bycatriona brownposted onon 12 September 2017

If working women could have paid time off like they do for maternity care maybe more women would attend, trying to fit in a smear in your lunchtime is not easy. Early evening appointments may also be useful

Catriona I work in a school and routine smears and mammograms? We are expected to take them in the school holidays. If we really cannot re arrange the time is given grudgingly unpaid. We now have a draconian sickness policy too with some people basically being told they can't have any more sick days for 3 months. If a woman really wants a smear test she will somehow find time for it.